WEBVTT ARTIFACTS ON DISPLAY.JENNIFER: THE B AND O RAILROADAFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY BEGINS>> TOOK THOSE GUYS, MADE THEMRINGS LIKE THAT.JENNIFER: IF YOU WANT TO SEESEGREGATION.JIM CROW LAWS EXPANSIVE SEATING>> IT IS PROBABLY BLAZING HOTNOT THE BEST SEATING.IT IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT THANIT MAKES YOU FEEL LESS OF AJENNIFER: IT WAS IN THE 1880’SPULLMAN CARS WERE IN STYLE.THINK FANCY TRAVEL FOR THETHEY WANTED PASSENGERS TO HAVE>> THE PULLMAN COMPANY MADE SUPRETTY MUCH ALL OF THEM WEREFOLKS WHO WOULD HELP THETHE RED CAPS WERE THE ONESON THE TRAIN ALL THE PULLMANTHEY STOOD UP SO YOU KNEW WHOJENNIFER: THE RAIL INDUSTRY

The B&O Railroad began in 1828 and inside the museum on Pratt Street, you'll find pieces that depict its history in Maryland and across the country.African-American history with the railroad began during the Civil War, when runaway slaves became what is known as contraband soldiers who were put to work by the Union Army. "Took those guys, paid them, gave them clothing, had them help rebuild railroads or rebuild walls -- things like that," said curator Travis Harry. Visitors can see what travel was like for African-Americans post-Civil War by stepping inside rail cars that show how the seating was changed to accommodate segregation. Jim Crow laws gave expansive seating in the rear for white travelers, with limited seating for black passengers close to the freight area and next to the stove. "It was probably blazing hot. Not comfortable. Makes you feel like less of a human being for sure," Harry said. In the 1880s and 1890s African-Americans played a significant role in the rail service industry. Pullman cars were in style. They were a fancy way to travel for the wealthy, with the first sleeper cars. Pullman porters, as the African-American workers were known, provided passengers with top notch service. "The Pullman Company made sure (that) on all those cars were porters. Pretty much all of them were African-Americans all through the country," Harry said. "Folks who would help the travelers (with) what they needed -- set up the beds, carry their bags -- things like that. The Red Caps were the ones helping at the station and loading in the bags on the train. All the Pullman porters were in the white coats with the black ties. They stood out so you knew who they were." The rail industry would know them well for another reason, too. The Pullman porters were among the first to unionize. "African-American history is such an important part of the railroad. It's important for people who come here all the time to understand that connection," Harry said.

BALTIMORE —

The B&O Railroad began in 1828 and inside the museum on Pratt Street, you'll find pieces that depict its history in Maryland and across the country.

African-American history with the railroad began during the Civil War, when runaway slaves became what is known as contraband soldiers who were put to work by the Union Army.

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"Took those guys, paid them, gave them clothing, had them help rebuild railroads or rebuild walls -- things like that," said curator Travis Harry.

Visitors can see what travel was like for African-Americans post-Civil War by stepping inside rail cars that show how the seating was changed to accommodate segregation.

Jim Crow laws gave expansive seating in the rear for white travelers, with limited seating for black passengers close to the freight area and next to the stove.

"It was probably blazing hot. Not comfortable. Makes you feel like less of a human being for sure," Harry said.

In the 1880s and 1890s African-Americans played a significant role in the rail service industry. Pullman cars were in style. They were a fancy way to travel for the wealthy, with the first sleeper cars. Pullman porters, as the African-American workers were known, provided passengers with top notch service.

"The Pullman Company made sure (that) on all those cars were porters. Pretty much all of them were African-Americans all through the country," Harry said. "Folks who would help the travelers (with) what they needed -- set up the beds, carry their bags -- things like that. The Red Caps were the ones helping at the station and loading in the bags on the train. All the Pullman porters were in the white coats with the black ties. They stood out so you knew who they were."

The rail industry would know them well for another reason, too. The Pullman porters were among the first to unionize.

"African-American history is such an important part of the railroad. It's important for people who come here all the time to understand that connection," Harry said.